When three Scottish brothers set out from Lima, Peru, on April 12, 2025, the odds were stacked high against them. Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean, armed with determination and a custom-built rowing boat, weren’t just chasing adventure—they were aiming to etch their names into the record books and, more importantly, raise funds for clean-water projects in Madagascar. After 139 grueling days and more than 8,700 miles (14,000 kilometers) at sea, the Macleans finally rowed into Marlin Marina in Cairns, Australia, on August 30, 2025, where the sound of bagpipes and the cheers of loved ones welcomed them ashore. Their journey, which spanned the world’s largest ocean, captured imaginations worldwide and shattered a longstanding world record.
According to ABC News, the Maclean brothers’ epic 9,000-mile crossing was not just a triumph of endurance but a story of resilience, teamwork, and a mission that went far beyond personal glory. The brothers’ feat broke the previous record for a Pacific Ocean row, set by Russian adventurer Fyodor Konyukhov, who completed the journey in 160 days. The Macleans, by comparison, finished in just 139 days—shaving nearly three weeks off the old mark.
But when they finally neared land, their first words weren’t about records or fame. In a video posted to Instagram, Ewan radioed the marina with a simple plea, “Do you have pizza and beer? I repeat, do you have pizza and beer? Over.” That craving, after nearly five months at sea, underscored the very human side of this epic adventure.
The journey itself was a relentless test of physical and mental endurance. The brothers rowed in shifts, stopping only for short, fitful breaks in a cramped cabin aboard their vessel, Rose Emily. The boat, custom-designed from lightweight carbon fiber with guidance from ocean-rowing expert Mark Slats, was named in memory of a sister lost during their mother’s pregnancy—a poignant reminder of family and purpose that traveled with them across the Pacific.
Life aboard Rose Emily was anything but glamorous. “All we’ve known is constant rowing, only breaking for a broken sleep in a cramped cabin, a daily emptying of our thoughts into our Ship’s Log and to eat, clean and fix broken things,” the brothers wrote as they neared the Australian coast. Meals consisted mainly of freeze-dried rations, and the monotony was broken only by the occasional catch of fish or, more often, the need to repair something that had broken in the unforgiving saltwater environment.
The Pacific was rarely kind. The brothers faced strong currents, dwindling food supplies, and the mental strain of three adults sharing a space smaller than a walk-in closet. The weather, too, had its say. Tropical storms forced them to abandon their original route, which had been planned to end in Sydney by August 2. Instead, the brothers were forced to extend their journey by nearly a month, pushing through exhaustion and tight rations. “The last couple of weeks have been really hard,” Jamie admitted after landing, as reported by CNN.
There were moments when the adventure nearly ended in disaster. At one point, a massive wave slammed into the boat, tossing Lachlan into the ocean. “The rogue wave took me right off my feet,” Lachlan recalled. “I kind of hit the life lines on the starboard side, basically did like a backwards somersault into the water.” Quick thinking and teamwork got him back aboard, but the close call was a stark reminder of the dangers they faced daily.
Communication was vital to their survival—not just with the outside world, but with each other. “Good communication has been key to this journey,” Jamie explained. “We are able to speak very directly to one another.” With tempers sometimes frayed and nerves raw, the brothers managed to keep their focus, leaning on their close bond and shared sense of purpose.
Beyond the adventure and the records, the Maclean brothers’ crossing was about making a difference. Their voyage raised more than $1.6 million for clean-water projects in Madagascar, a country where access to safe drinking water remains a daily struggle for millions. As Ewan told CNN, “We want to have a positive impact on other people. That is ultimately what this journey is about.” Their fundraising efforts will support projects designed to bring life-changing access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
When they finally stepped ashore in Cairns, the brothers were greeted not only by family and friends, but also by curious onlookers and the sound of bagpipes—a nod to their Scottish heritage. Shirtless, bearded, and visibly weathered by their ordeal, the three men stood as modern-day explorers, their achievement a testament to human endurance and the power of a shared goal. “We’ve shed tears of joy and laughed till our cheeks hurt,” said Ewan, the eldest at 33, capturing both the hardship and the joy of their experience.
Their story has resonated far beyond the world of extreme adventure. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when ordinary people set out to do something extraordinary—not just for themselves, but for others. The brothers’ journey has already inspired donations and support for their chosen cause, and their tale of grit and generosity is likely to echo for years to come.
In the end, the Maclean brothers’ 139-day odyssey across the Pacific wasn’t just about breaking records. It was about family, resilience, and the belief that even the toughest journeys can have a purpose. As the sun set over Cairns and the celebrations died down, the three men could finally rest, knowing they had accomplished something remarkable—for themselves, for their family, and for the people of Madagascar who will soon have access to clean water thanks to their epic voyage.
